4L80E Sprag Clutch 1996, new and ready to install. Fits the 4L80E. Ships fast from the USA.
A 1996-or-newer Chevy or GMC 2500 or 3500, Suburban 2500, Express or Savana van, or Hummer H1 that revs and creeps instead of pulling away in Drive, or that falls into neutral between first and second, has almost certainly lost one of its two main one-way clutches. This is a new BorgWarner pair that covers both: the later-style low roller clutch with 8 legs, and a heavy-duty 34-element intermediate sprag. It is a two-piece set for the 1996-on 4L80E and 4L85E, built for the moment the transmission is already apart.
The 4L80E carries the TH400 gear train with an overdrive section bolted in front of it, so first, second and third still lean on the same two freewheels. The low roller clutch sits at the rear of the gearset and stops the reaction carrier from turning backward. In Drive it is the only member holding first gear; when you pull the lever to manual 1, the rear band applies and shares the load. On the upshift to second it simply overruns. The intermediate sprag rides on the direct drum hub inside its outer race. When the intermediate clutch on the center support applies, that sprag locks and holds the sun gear for second. On the 2-3 shift the direct clutch comes on and the sprag freewheels, which is what lets the shift happen without the two clutches fighting. The 8-leg low roller is the piece that marks this set as the later design; earlier transmissions use a different low roller cage.
Range-select testing splits the two parts apart. If the truck moves in manual 1 but not in Drive, look at the low roller. If first is fine but the 1-2 shift flares, check line pressure before blaming the sprag, because low apply pressure burns the intermediate clutch the sprag depends on, and an electrical fault can mimic a missing gear. Run through our 4L80E shift solenoid diagnosis and the input and output speed sensor checks first. A slipping one-way clutch often sets no code until the slip is large, so a scan tool alone will not clear it. The wider pattern of 4L80E wear is laid out in our 4L80E common problems and fixes guide.
This set is listed for 4L80E and 4L85E transmissions from 1996 on, which takes in the 2500 and 3500 pickups, Suburban 2500, full-size vans and Hummer H1 through the end of 4L80E production. The listing says it fits most 1996-up units, not all, because GM revised internals along the way and some transmissions built around the 1995 to 1996 changeover carry the other low roller. Count the legs on your old low roller cage and compare it on the bench, or send us your year and VIN before you install. If your truck is a 1991 to 1995, the early low roller and sprag set is the right match, and if you want the overdrive roller clutch replaced too, the 1996-2001 three-piece set adds it. Everything else for these trucks is on the 4L80E parts collection.
| Fits | 4L80E 1996 |
| Part type | Sprag Clutch |
| Condition | New |
| Brand | OEM |
| Ships | From the USA |
| Warranty | 1-year |
Doing this repair right usually means replacing these at the same time. Same transmission, ships together.
Possibly, but do not assume it. The set is built around the 8-leg low roller used from 1996 on, and transmissions near the changeover can go either way. Compare the legs on your old low roller cage, or send us your year and VIN. Most 1991 to 1995 units need the early set instead.
No. This is two pieces: the low roller clutch and the 34-element intermediate sprag. The overdrive one-way clutch in the overrun drum is a separate part, sold here as the overrun drum, sun gear and OD sprag assembly or as part of the 1996-2001 three-piece set.
That is the textbook low roller symptom, because in manual 1 the rear band holds the gearset and takes the job the roller clutch normally does. Confirm fluid level and line pressure first, then plan on replacing the roller clutch and inspecting its race.
The 34-element sprag is the heavy-duty intermediate sprag for TH400 and 4L80E units, and the maker lists it as replacing weaker 16-element versions. More elements spread the holding load in second gear, which matters on trucks that tow or run heavy.
Any race that shows pitting or a shiny worn track, the intermediate clutches if they are burnt, and the rear band if the low roller failed. Most builders do the job as part of a full rebuild with new frictions, steels, seals and a filter.
GM specifies Dexron VI for the 4L80E in later owner manuals; it is backward-compatible with earlier Dexron specifications. Check the level hot with the engine idling in Park.
